Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

hi
i am thinking of changing my engine from my 53 patrician from strait 8 to a v8 engine .
waath do i have to do change .
and also a other transmission a 3 speed automatic .
thanks
gregor

Gregor,

The 9 main bearing straight 8 is one of the things that makes the 1953 Patrician unique.
Changing to a Packard V8 can be done but is neither simple nor easy. Definitely not just a bolt-in.
If you really want a V8 Packard it would be much easier to just buy a 1955 or 1956 model.

Brian

OK, am thinking very hard about this.
Option one:
Use any 55-56 engine, a 374 would be nice. 56 Ultramatic which will give you the first gear start and can be made to work with your column shift. 55 Patrician driveshaft and rear axle flange. Make your own mounts. Throttle linkage from a V8 will bolt on.

This will of course be very expensive to prepare and ship.

If you just want more performance, then give your old 327 a good rebuild with a new cam, solid lifters, larger bore, and some careful work in the ports for good breathing. It will not be slow.

For more performance convert the car to stick shift and overdrive. You will be able to cruise at an easy 140 km/hr.

Anyway, I can provide any of these options

I think several posters have misinterpreted the OP's use of the term "v8". He didn't say "Packard V-8". Makes more sense that someone in Germany (where they have Autobahns with no speed limit) that he would be thinking SBC V-8 or maybe BMW or Mercedes V-8s, the latter of which would be much more plentiful than a Packard V-8 or even a SBC V-8.

I hope OP clarifies his use of the term.

Craig

Hi
I dondt need Power .
I would like a v8 becurse i think its not so many Problems like a v8
But i already think of leaving the Strait 8 in just change the transmision .
I would like a 3 speed like a th350 or so .
I am not happy with the packard transmision

I could be wrong but IIRC, it was posted a few months ago that the people who made the TorqueFlite conversion kits have closed. If you do decide to keep the original engine I think that leaves only one adapter kit for installing a modern transmission on a straight 8 available now. Kind of limits the choices. Bendtsen makes a kit to adapt a modern GM trans but the downside to their kit is the starter motor also has to change so the car needs to be converted to 12v.

They also make a kit for installing a modern GM trans to the Packard V8 but as others mentioned, changing the engine is a lot of work and expense. IMO, the S8 is a darn good engine and still relatively easy to find parts for. I doubt a Packard V8 would be any more reliable.

Probably relatively easy to find a 3-speed manual conversion from an original 1951-54 Packard or Clipper. Not so for a V-8.

Craig

If you like the look of the Packard but not the period performance then you might as well street rod the thing.

I never drove the straight 8 with TorqueFlite. I only know that George Hamlin said the difference was outstanding.

Stick shfit conversion serves to cut up yet another car, and spare parts for the trans are a problem.

A Packard V8 with a pre-55 overdrive. YEE HAW!!!

(o()o)